Hitachi Supports the Next-Generation Windows CE Operating System, 'Talisker,' on Hitachi's SuperH RISC Microprocessor Family.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 6, 2001

Hitachi Joins Newly Formed Windows Embedded

Strategic Silicon Alliance (WESSA)

Hitachi Semiconductor (America) Inc. today revealed that Hitachi, Ltd. will expand the range of its products that support the Microsoft Windows CE operating system -- including the next-version, code-named "Talisker." The move accelerates the proliferation of its popular SuperH(R) RISC and RISC/DSP microprocessors in the embedded systems market. Hitachi also confirmed that it will be a part of the Windows Embedded Strategic Silicon Alliance (WESSA), the major silicon vendor support program for "Talisker."

"Hitachi is enthusiastic about the prospects for 'Talisker,' which Microsoft expects to ship by the end of this year," said Steve Imsen, director of segment marketing at Hitachi Semiconductor (America) Inc "A benefit of membership in WESSA is joint development to ensure that the SuperH family processors are optimized for 'Talisker.' For example, we designed the upcoming SH-5 series microprocessors to exploit the multimedia enhancements in 'Talisker.' Hitachi has worked closely with Microsoft since it began shipping windows CE. Hitachi products are providing unique benefits that are boosting Windows CE growth."

"Hitachi's SuperH family of RISC and RISC/DSP processors and support tools are great choices for system engineers designing a broad range of Windows Powered devices," said Keith White, director of Marketing for the Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group at Microsoft Corp. "We are looking forward to working closely with Hitachi to ensure OEMs are able to take advantage of the latest processor technology."

Ideal for a broad range of Windows CE-based devices

The SuperH devices will likely gain increased popularity in widely varied applications because Hitachi's SuperH family of RISC microprocessors will support the "Talisker" OS as well as current versions of the OS. The upward-compatible devices integrate a broad range of features and operate at speeds up to 400 MHz, so engineers can readily select the optimum SuperH model for diverse designs. The microprocessors are ideal for pocket PCs and vertical-market handheld devices such as inventory control and laser scanning products, as well as for car infotainment and telematic systems, Microsoft's Ultimate TV service for set-top multimedia and home gateway boxes, Internet appliances and softmodem capabilities, and more.

TheSuperH product line offers a complete system solution. The microprocessors provide an optimal combination of

-- High code density due to 16-bit fixed instructions

-- An extended migration path (five generations of devices offer speeds up to
400 MHz )

-- Smaller board space and lower cost (key peripheral functions are integrated
on-chip and compact micro-BGA and multi-chip packages are available)

-- Simpler power supply design (the low-power SuperH chips allow systems that
operate without cooling fans)

-- Reduced time-to-market (reference platforms offer working hardware, software
drivers and middleware, and an extensive network of third- party support
products and services is available for SuperH processors)

-- Multimedia capability with on-chip floating point or DSP support.

Tools aid designers using Windows CE 3.0

Hitachi offers many hardware and software designs and debug aids to enable the quick and effective development of embedded systems. Hitachi engineers worked closely with Microsoft in the development of Platform Builder 3.0, the comprehensive toolkit used in building Windows CE 3.0-based devices.. Additionally, Windows CE 3.0 currently supports floating point units on the SH-4 processors, and the Hitachi's E10A emulator now supports the EXDI library extensions for debugging within the Platform Builder.

Hitachi also designed the CPU boards in the SuperH-based Hardware Architecture Reference Platform (HARP) development products to meet Microsoft's system development board (SDB) specifications. The scaleable, expandable HARP platforms combine the CPU boards with off-the-shelf and user-designed circuit boards in a flexible, easy-to-use product that accelerates system creation, refinement and test.

Reader contact

Readers can get additional product and contact information on SuperH processors and development tool products for Windows CE based systems by calling 1-800-285-1601 for literature or by visiting Hitachi Semiconductor's Web site at www.hitachi.com/semiconductor.

For more information on Windows CE-based applications, visit www.hitachi.com/semiconductor/applications.html.

About Hitachi Semiconductor (America) Inc.

Hitachi Semiconductor (America) Inc. -- a subsidiary of Hitachi America, Ltd., in turn a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT) -- supports the requirements of the North American marketplace with a broad range of standard and low-power semiconductor solutions. Offering some of the industry's most popular microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory components and other semiconductor solutions, Hitachi provides chips to the world's leading device manufacturers within industrial, consumer and emerging market applications. Hitachi's substantial design engineering, research and development facilities in the United States help bring the world's best technology to U.S. customers.

About Hitachi Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's leading global electronics companies, with fiscal 1999 (ended March 31, 2000) consolidated sales of 8,001 billion yen ($75.5 billion(1)). The company manufactures and markets a wide range of products, including computers, semiconductors, consumer products and power and industrial equipment. For more information on Hitachi, Ltd., please visit Hitachi's web site at http://global.hitachi.com/ Hitachi's semiconductor business web site/home page address: http://global.hitachi.com/Sicd/index.htm.

(1)At an exchange rate of 106 yen to the dollar.

Note to Editors: SuperH is a U.S. registered trademark of Hitachi, Ltd.